Previous Ndtf Students

[GSD FAN]

hi, im a new member to this forum. i am looking for people that have previously done the ndtf dog training course that can tell me about their experiences with the course. i am off to melbourne in 6 weeks for my first training block and wondering what to expect. also, has anyone made it their career?

[Kavik]

Hi

I did the NDTF course in 2000. I really enjoyed the course, learned a lot and made lots of friends and contacts in the field. It has changed since I went through, I went to Melbourne for the first week and then for one weekend a month for seminars, was able to do practical in Sydney as they didn't have the correspondence part at the time.

[Erny]

... has anyone made it their career?

Yes .

I loved all the info, learning and prac handling experiences I gained through the NDTF Course. From there I have undertaken other courses (more advanced) as well as continued attendances at seminars both far and wide. Gained practical experience wherever and whenever I could and 'grew'. The NDTF Cert III Course proved to be a very good, broad, foundation base for all the other learning I take on.

[KitKat]

Ooo....can't wait to read all the replies! I so want to do this course - and hopefully will get to start in the next year or two or so...lol. I keep holding out hope that they will offer the week blocks in QLD one year

Erny - were you already in the 'industry'? How 'easy/hard' was it to make such your career?

ETA - please ignore those questions - will start a new thread :D

Edited August 27, 2007 by KitKat

[Purpley]

I haven't done the course, but have a friend that did. She loved it and said it was great. Really goes into the pshycological stuff, behavioural etc. She is now a trainer with ADT.

[leopuppy04]

I did the course..... but haven't made a career of it as yet - it's a big step as to be a trainer you pretty much have to be out on your own .

I don't see why you couldn't though - they provide you with all of the information - you just need to have the 'talent' and determination to do it I guess :D

[GSD FAN]

thanks to all that have replied so far. didnt expect a reply so quick. i am really excited about the first practical block, can't wait. i currently work as a trainee vet nurse and get asked lots of questions on dog behaviour etc so it'll be good to have some of the answers. do u other members work in the animal industry, or show dogs/ breed etc? it;s great to have other dog enthusiasts to chat to!

[Rom]

Hi Debra,

Hope you don't mind a reply from a current NDTF student :D

I'm currently doing the cert III by distance learning as I live in Qld. I'm off to my second block in Nov.

I'm sooo loving not only the course, but how being involved in it is also opening my mind to more questions to persue the answers to. My learning is exploding in leaps and bounds in some areas, but in others showing me how many areas that I thought I was confident in my knowledge were a little off centre....to say the least.

I started out as a fairly inexperienced volunteer instructor at my local obedience club....back then I thought I knew it all I became increasingly disenchanted with that world because something about it was failing so many dogs and handlers in so many ways.

I do plan to make some sort of career out of what I'm learning. Since I enjoy country living though and don't plan to move to a city anytime soon, I'm going to have to be creative in how I apply what I'm learning. Thats just another challenge that I'm looking forward to. I don't think that the area that I live in has the population base to support a full-time career.

Like Erny, I don't think that the course will be the end for me. I'm getting such a buzz out of what I'm learning and applying it to the dogs I come across that I think in a sense I'll always be a student in this field cuz I equally enjoy the learning side too.

Since the course has a heavy grounding in behavioural science, one of the great things that I've been able to do is go through all the training books that I've gathered over the years and rule out those suggestions that behavioural science really don't support. I'm gaining confidence in looking at methods and either adjusting them to suit a particular dog/handler combo or totally ruling them out. I still have a long way to go though.

[Kavik]

I currently work at a dog daycare, as an animal attendant and also help out with the grooming. I have worked at vets as a vet nurse and animal attendant, and have done volunteer instructing at obedience clubs as well.

I am hoping to trial my dogs in obedience and agility, and we have started herding which is really interesting and fun, but difficult. I have watched and done some helping with training security dogs.

I did the Cert III course and the Scent Detection course (though didn't finish the practical of the scent course - was really cool though!).

[Hyland Mist]

Hi

I have just about finished the course. Decided to do the course as i regular compete in Ob, agil, herd. conformation, I am also an Instructor at my local club and have my own business. I also am a registered breeder.

Apart from the accreditation (which the public like to see) it has given me more insight into the world of dogs - scientifically speaking.

Its a great course and you will learn a lot.

Cheers

[My Mad GSP]

Hi I completed the course a couple of years ago. I started my dog business about 6 months before I did the course. The knowlege I have gained is invaluable. What I liked about the NDTF course was that I was able to get lots of 'hands on' dog experience that some other courses did not offer.

Got to learn from some fantastic trainers and lecturers, some of which I am lucky enough to still keep in touch with. I'm currently waiting to do their Behaviourist Course next. P.S. In regards to what to expect. Cancel your social life! Your evenings/weekends will be filled with dog training and assignments. But it's very worth it!

[GSD FAN]

for all those that are currently doing it as a profession, can you make a good living from it? vet nursing is a seriously underpaid profession, especially for trainee nurses.